The Phoenix Police Department is now one of more than 20 statewide agencies that have earned accreditation through the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.
The department finalized the self-assessing program, which officials said has improved operations and enhanced transparency. This accreditation is awarded through the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police.
The process of accreditation began in January 2021. ALEAP is entered into voluntarily and allows each agency to conduct an internal review of policies and operations to meet 175 specific ALEAP standards.
The review culminates with an on-site assessment by a designated ALEAP Assessment Team that examines practices, procedures, management, operations, and support services.
The public also was invited to offer input to the assessment team. Accreditation provides another layer of oversight, in which the community can be reassured that our department remains dedicated to providing professional services in a transparent environment.
Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan attended the ALEAP award ceremony to accept the accreditation for the Phoenix Police Department.
“When it comes down to it, accreditation is about improving overall performance and making sure we are in compliance with proven national standards and best practices,” said Sullivan. “I believe that the Phoenix Police Department is better off today than when we started this process two years ago, and that we are set up for continued success in the years to come.”
This initial accreditation period is four years with annual reviews and updates to the accreditation standards. At the conclusion of the four-year period, another on site review will be scheduled to renew the accreditation for the Phoenix Police Department.
